Focus now on Asian Games 2022 and Paris Olympics: Deepika Kumari

Ranchi : Archer Deepika Kumari on Monday said that despite failing to finish on the podium at the recently concluded Tokyo Olympics she has shifted her focus on the Asian Games 2022 and Paris Olympics 2024.

Deepika said that the pressure is the same in each and every match and it does not matter whether a player is world number one or not.  She said that no doubt people have huge expectations. But there is a need to understand that
each and every competition is different a world cup is different from the Olympics, she said adding that now her focus is on the upcoming events which include the Asian Games of 2022 to be held in Hangzhou of China and Paris Olympics in 2024. However, she said that despite missing out on a medal from across the country the support has been overwhelming.

Deepika said that she has been also further encouraged by the talks of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. If Deepika makes into the Paris Olympics that would be her fourth Olympic Games. She has previously represented the nation in 2012 London, 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Her quarter-final appearance in Tokyo Olympics has been her best showing so far in the world event. Husband of Deepika, Atanu Das who played in his second Olympics said that whatever minor things went wrong this time he will try to rectify those mistakes in the future so that in the next Olympics and other major events he can bring home a medal.

The husband-wife duo also expressed their gratitude towards the Union Sports Ministry, SAI, Centre and the state government for the cooperation being extended by them.

In the function which was organised by Ranchi MP Sanjay Seth apart from Deepika and Atanu, women hockey players Salima Tete and Nikki Pradhan were also felicitated. The players were also felicitated by various sports and social organisations of the city.